Knotter device



Feb. 9 1926. 1,572,181

B. E. BYRD KNOTTER DEVICE Filed Feb. 24. 1922 2 sheets-sheet 1 N V [5N TOR fi/r/fron/ 5 Wm A TTORNE Y5 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1N Vi VTOR W Kim W, W

B. E. BYRD KNOTTER DEVICE Filed Feb. 24. 1922 Feb. 9 1926.

M414; TTORNEYS Patented Feb. 9, 1926.

UNITED STATES 1,572,181 PATENT}, OFFICE.

BRITTON E. BYRD, OF DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, ASSIO'NOR TO MILL DEVICES COM- PANY, OF DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, A CORPORATION OF NORTH CAROLINA.

xno'r'rnn DEVICE.

Application 111m February 24, 1922. Serial No. 538,889.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BRITTON E. B15111), a citizen of the United States, and resident of Durham, in the county of Durham and State of N orthCarolina, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Knotter Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a knot tying method and mechanism and more particularly to a method and mechanism for tying small fiat knots known as the weavers knot; and has special reference to the provision of a novel knot tying device or knotter capable of forming and tying a weavers knot in an exceedingly simple manner with the employment of relatively simple mechanism. 1

In a variety of operations employed in textile mills it is common to tie the ends of two threads or strands together in a small flat knot known in the artas the weavers knot. For tying these ends with facility and rapidity a number of mechanisms have heretofore been suggested and devised, these prior mechanisms employing various methods of manipulating or handling the threads and of formingthe knot therein. While a number of mechanisms have been suggested and designed to this end, they have not been extensively adopted in practice, the prior knotters of this ty e known to me being impractical or unwiel y in service from an operating viewpoint, especially when employed as a hand operated knotter, some of these mechanisms 1nvolving too complex an organization with too many working parts, while others involve too tedious and cumbersome a method of threading the knotter prior to operating the same. Where in prior devices the mechanism itself has been simplified by minimizing the number of working parts and their correlation, this has been usually accomplished at the expense of ease of thread manipulation by the operator, that is at the expense of ease of threading of the strands in the knotting device prior to operating the same, the manner of threading or positioning the strands in the knotter in such devices having been made a relatively difficult operation in itself. Where the knotter has been constructed to receive the threads in a logical manner such as with the strands or threads arranged in substantially parallel relation, the mechanism devised has been found generally too complex for effective operation and efficient use. To provide a weavers knotter in which simplicity of organization is combined with ease of threading is a principal object of my present.

invention.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and such other objects'as may hereinafter appear, my invention consists in the elements and their relation one to the other, as hereinafter particularly described and sought to be defined in the claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment of my invention, and in which:

Figure 1 is a right side view of the weavers knotter showing the manner of using the same where the knotting device is constructed in the form of a hand operated knotter,

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same,

Figure 3 is a front view of the same,

Figure 4 is a left side view ofthe knotter,

Figure'ti is across sectional view of the same showing some of the interior working Before describing my knotter in detail I will briefly relate the method I employ in making the weavers knot and the mechanism I prefer to use in forming and tying the same. The threads or strands to be tied which may, for example, be two separated strands coming from a spool and bobbin respectively, are first arranged in substantially parallel relation, this being the first logical step in manipulating threads. The threads are then crossed at spaced points, the crossing of the threads being either effected simultaneously or at different times. One of the strands or threads is then twisted 180 degrees about one crossing to provide a loop in the thread, the twisting being effected about the second strand,the second loop, after which both threads are again rotated through an ang e about 180 degrees.

10a strand being thereby threaded through the i effecting a twist in the first loop and effectthe weavers knot.

'8, 10, '11, -13 and ,14, I"sh owt respectively-vnsrn .C and the other of the strands such as; 1 s is positionedabove the said tyin ".billj ebh 'sm, e-ty g bi mechanism ner in which these parts are operated to effect the formation otjtheloops and thetying of the threads-intuit; weaVers knot. The two strands in threading the knotten are first" lalti ffibvgril oppositely positioned}: Ineansidesi nated "as-A he; 'these. uid e'and" thread guide andiholdi thus'positioh'ed'or"located'between the-two strand s'.{ Reference to-Figure 3 wil1-.d1sc1os e 'g the simplicity oi threadingthe vknotter pr'e .fsented jwith; this arrangement: 'After the strands or threadsare receiyed by the knotter n: essen i y1ip 1ee1aan a 5 3 in Figure 3, the "strandssf and {at are crossed at two mailedpoints'such asw f-and m this crossin tially 180 "degrees a loop L is formed in the strand-f 8'" with the strand a threaded throughpthe-f loop, 'thisbeing clearly shown in Figure 10'of the drawings. After this formation is obtained the tying bill mechanism is further rotated through another angle of about 90 degrees the arrangement of the strands relativeto the tying bill mechanism being such that during this rotation one of the bills of thetying bill mechanism moves through thecrossed strands beyond the second crossing m and the strandsis graspedby thetying bill mechanism 0. this being clearlv shown inFigure 10 of the drawings. In the'further rotation of the tying bill mechanism 0 through another angle of about 90 degrees the strand 8 is out and clamped by the tying bill mecha- 1is1n as is common in these devices, and

fin-g preferably elIected-by mech an'ism orming part of the'guide" and ,-l101d-,. ingLme'ans-A and B respectively as will be disclosed more in detail hereinafter; Figure' 8 shows the arrangement of the strands after this operation and the arrangementof'the position I preferably provide the rangement ot-the parts ofIthe-mechanism and thelloop formations iii-the knot in a position V durin the irotationv 1 of the knot. tyin g mechanism during this last; mentioned 90 vdegree movement-.1 "Afterf the knot tying inechanisnrC has 'terminated. its movement during this :last; angg s'ofr otaae the loop formations of thestrandsorthreads' on the knot tying mechanism assume the configura-' ti'oILb-s Shown in fof the draw-. I ings." Referring tofthis' figuregthe strand is shown with its previously-"termed; loop.

L" .twisted through 180 degrees and the Lstrand 8 provided with a portion beginning at or near the grasped. end thereof and' ;e'n-' the bill and forming a111 31b 3floop The strands a and s coining-from the "circlin g spool and bobbinarethen pulled ifor stri as is :com1non in suchzdevices, efi'ectmg first the completion ;i nechanism this. stripping of the. loop'fL and then the threading-of the clamped end of the thread 8 through the loop formations L' and L in the threads 8 and 8?, the resulting knot obtained after this stripping operation having'a configuration as shown in Figure 14 of the drawings, this being the well lmowntor'm of weavers knot.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, for supporting theparts of the knotter I provide the left side plate 10 and the right side plate 11, the latter being provided with a foot portion 12 terminating in a reduced toe portion 13, the said toe portionbeing fittingly received by a slot 14 in the plate 10, these parts being effective for spacedly supporting the side plate 10 on the side plate 11. For securing the plates in spaced locking screw 15 received in a suitably tapped aperture in the toe 13, the locking screw abutting against the outer walls of the side plate 10 for locking the parts together. Connecting the side plates 10 and 11 at a region spaced from the foot 12 I provide the U shaped bracket member '16, the lower branch of this bracket member being provided with oppositely extending flange portions 17 and 18: the said flange portions being adapted to be received by sockets or recesses 19 and 20 respectively provided in the side plates 10 and 11; For securing the side plates together at this region I provide the bolt 21 arranged preferably between the two branches of the U bracket 16. For the purpose of adapting the knotter as a handping the loo formations from t lie[tyingb1llsaid handle or grip member comprising a palm portion 23 adapted to seat on the palm of the hand of an operator, an end portion 24 bent at'an angle thereto and a supporting arm portion 25 made preferably integral therewith; the said supporting arm portion 25 being attached to the side plate 10 as by means of the securing screws 26. The handle 22 is also provided with the adjustable strap 27 as is common in these devices. If preferred, the handle 22 may be made integral with the side plate 10 and the parts bent into the desired configuration from a single piece of sheet mate-rial.

The tying bill mechanism C which comprises the bill shaft 28, the clamping bill 29, the cutting bill spring 30 and the intermediate shearing and clamping jaw 31, is rotatably mounted in the knottcr supporting means and to this end the bill shaft 28 is jvournalled in the foot portion 12 and the racket 16.' This is shown particularly in Figures 5 or 9 of the drawing, and referring to these figures the bill shaft 28 is provided at its lower end with a spindle portion 32 received by and rotatable within a bushing 33 fitted in the foot 12, a. flanged sleeve 34 being provided at the upper end of the bill shaft 28 and connected to the bill shaft for journalling the latter in an orifice 35 in the lower branch of the .U bracket 16. The shearing and clamping jaw 31 is provided as is usual in these devices with a lower wing portion 36 movable within an enlarged aperture 37, the said aperture being provided in the upper branch of the U bracket 16 and being arranged eccentrically to the bearing orifice 35 and acting as a cam track to effect the oscillation of the shearing and clamping jaw 31 during the rotation of the t-yin bill mechanism; the said clamping jaw 31 being mounted for oscillation on the bills 29 and 30 as by means of the pivot pin 38. The flanged sleeve 34 is preferably slotted at its upper end for receiving the lower portion of the jaw wing 36, guiding of the said shearing and clamping jaw 31 during its oscillation being there by effected. In the present form of'my in-- vention I prefer to curve the bill portions 29 and 30 and the bill of the clamping jaw 31, this to the end of permitting easier stripping of the knot therefrom.

The thread guide and holding means A in the present form of my invention is constructed and designed to perform a number of independent]functions. During 1 threading of the knotter the said thread guide and holding means A. is intended to provide guide means for receiving in spaced relation the two strands to be knotted. .During operation of the knotter the thread guide and holding means'performs the function of crossing the thread to effect the first crossing 01 therein, the threads being clamped by the thread guide and holding means, the latter at a subsequent step, as will be described more in detail below, effecting the stripping of the threads from the tying bill mechanism after the formation of the knot. For performing these various functions the thread guide and holding means A comprises essentially the guide arm 39 and the thread engaging member 40, the guide arm and member being arranged for relative movement and beingpivoted to the opposite ends of a lever 41 as by means of the pivot pins 42 and 43 respectively. The guide arm 39is provided with a guide head 44 and the latter is, in turn, provided withspaced guide slots 45 and 46, the former being inset relatively to the latter to position the two strands to be knotted in different planes. The thread engaging member ,40 comprises a U shaped lever fulcrumed by the pivot pin 43, the two upwardly disposed branch arms of the U lever comprisin thread engaging arms 47 and 48, the said arms straddling the guide arm 39 and being slidably movable relatively thereto. For effecting the relative slidable motion between the guide arm 39 and the branch engaging arms 47 and 48 I provide the guide head 44 with a struck up pin portion 49, the latter received by and movable within a longitudinal slot 50 provided in the inner branch arm 48. The lower portion of the thread engaging member 40 comprises a suitably contoured follower arm 51, the lower end of this arm being adapted to ride over and be guide:

by cam track portions 52 and 53 of a directing guide piece 54, the latter being secured to the side platev 10 as by means of the securing screws 55. The lever 41 carrying. the guide arm 39 and the thread engaging member 40 is fulcrumed on a main camshaft 56 journalled in the opposed plates 10 and 11, the lever 41 being provided withta sleeve portion 57 pinned to the cam shaft 56 for rotation therewith. Upon rotation of the cam shaft 56 counterclockwise as vi-ewedin I igure 4, the guide arm 39 and thread engaging member 40 slidably move in opposite directions, the slidable motion being directed by means of the follower arm 51 riding upon the guide track 52, the said parts being constrained to slidable movementby means of the pin and slot connection 49 and 50. During this relative movement of the guide arm and the thread engaging mcans the thread engaging means is adapted to engage the thread arranged inthe guide slot 45 and move the same past. the thread held in the guide .slot 46. To this end the opposite branch arms 47 and 48 with a second'thread engaging finger 60.

' Figure 8 of the drawings, for example,

' tatio n-oi whichchangesthe elampin-g action 7 of the branch armsiei' and48 thelthreatlf engaging 1 member .46, i Witli. thefsfprovision j ametshows the mannerinwhich the thread '8 isconfin'ed in the guide it by means of the thread' engaging finger 60 For the lpurpose' of adjustingthe clamping-action-otj'thesei parts on thethrad s,,the pivot', -pin"43 is made f toi compr'i-se an adjiusting screw, .r'o-

or i this recited jfconSt X'uction Pit "Willlbe sphaftf; 56-fequal ate the ti. veling distance i 52,-tl1'fjthi eads or strands, s iand s? will be crossed andthe thread s clamped in crossed position. The motion aof these parts for ob taining'thesekiunctions is l etiected, as will become clearerhereafter, prion to the rotation of: the-tying billme'chanismC, After the threads. arearranged in'cros's ed positionthetyingibill-imechanism- .G isrota'ted with ,b'eing: brought into cooperation. with. v thethe tying bills moving between-thestrands -5 orthreads beyond the firstcrosshig'w as referred" to hereinbefore, rotation of the tying bill mechanism I) through an angle of about 270, degreesetiecting the formation of the loops shown .in Figure 10' of the drawings, the tying bill mechanism 0 then tlireadguidejand holding means B 1 the threads-"and confining-{Tithe same-in aesired positions; The said thread guide and 6 holding means B to; these endsjco nprises a' guide'head Gland a-thread engaging mem ber 62 slidably movable relatively thereto.

The guide head 61 is provided with the spaced guide slots 63 and 64-, one offset relatively' to the other, for receiving the separated strandsto be tied. These guide slots may be of a construction similar to the guide .slots of the thread guide and holdingmeans A and-similar means vmay be provided for effecting the crossing of the threads. Blowever, in the present form of my construction I prefer'to so contour thefguides 63 and 64 as to automatically efleot the crossing of the threads during guiding activity. This is made possible by reason of the fact that the thread ends received in the guides fining the thread in the guide slot 46,-.the rancharm -18 being to this endprovided at] a partial {rotation ro f} the 63 and 64 are manipulated by the operator. To this end the guide slot 63 is provided with a horizontal portion for receiving the .slot 64, as will be clearly apparent from a consideration of, for'example, Figures 8 and 10 of the drawings. The thread engaging memberf62 is provided with the threadengaging fingers 66 and 67 cooperating with the guide slotfi t and65 foreonfining the strands or threads'the'rein; The thread engaging member 62 .is -slidab1y mounted on theside plate-11 and to this end the memher 62 is: provided, at'j-itsalower end with a slot- 68 receiving alpin' 69Ianchored to the side plate 11', the guide headhfi l being suitiably slotted as at 70. for spacedly guiding the upperportionof the thread-engaging arrn*62.. As will" be apparent from a .con-

sideration .o'f'the drawings, th'e guide head 61ispreferably[madeintegralwith the 'side ipla'tell and is offset relatively thereto, these parts being suitably staiiiped'out of? Single piece of sheet materialr For=..n1ov1nig' the arm 62 into thread engagingpositionLpro-' vide the said arm with a cam portio znx rovided with a cam slot 72 and, cooperating with the camslotI provide a cam. iollower 73 journalled in the end of anarm 74,- the .latter being pinned" to the main ca'inshaf-t 66; The camslot 72 is, contoured so-that upon rotation of thecam-shaft 56 thethread engagingmember 62'wil1 be rapidlymoved in position to cooperate with the guide slots 63.a-ndv64 -to confine the threads there- .in.'this beinsrobtained by the cooperation of the cam] follower 73 with the horizontal portion 75' of the canislot 72,:..-Thi s Inovev i, "m n f the member '62-:corresponds-in ex- Thethreadguide andj'"holding means also is'designed a; e'fie'ct a1 p lurality offunctions such "as athe receiving of the threa ds during the threading 0f the knotter, .crossing' tent. to the movement of the thread guide andeholding'means A heretofore described, lVith-theprovision of this construction, referring now" to. Figure 10 of the drawings,

itwill-be apparent that the thread ends of the strands s'and 8 are crossed and spread apart to perinitthe bills of the tying bill mechanism C vto "move therebetween, the

thread or strand .9 being grasped between the jaw andbillsof the tying bill mecha- 'nism during 's'uohimovement, the said strand play for effecting the cutting and clamping of the thread a.

The auxiliary cutter D of my invention comprises the spaced clamping blade 7 6 and cutting blade 77 and the cutting and clam ing jaw 78 movable therebetween andcrumed thereon b means of the pivot pin 79. The blade 7; preferably comprises a spring member attached to the blade 7 6 as by means of an adjusting 'scre (see Figures 2 and 5 for example) adjustment of the said screw being provided for effecting changes in the clamping action of the said cutting device. This auxiliary cutter D is arranged relative to the other parts of the knotter so as to permit the unhindered rotation of the tying bill mechanism C, the cuttingmechanism D being brought into play for grasping and cutting the thread a after the tying bill mechanism C has moved past the same. The auxiliary cutter D is therefore given a compound motion first to bring the same into the seat of action and adjacent to the tying bill mechanism C and second, to cut and clamp the end of the thread 8. To operate the parts of the auxiliary cutter to effect this compound motion I provide the following mechanism. The blade 76 of the cutter is fulcrumed on the main cam shaft 56 and the lower portion of the said blade is provided with a cam track 82. Pivotally connected to the cutting and clamping jaw 78 I provide the link 83, the said link pivotally connecting the jaw to a cam plate 84: also rotatably arranged on the main cam shaft 56. In the normal position of the parts the cutting mechanism is arranged as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings and out of the path of movement of the ty .ing bill mechanism C. After the'tying bill mechanism C has assumed. the position shownin Figure 10 of the drawings the clamping blade .76 and the cam plate 84 are moved by means tobe described in detail hereinafter so as to move the cutting mechanism bodily into position between the tying bill mechanism G and the thread guide and holding means B, the cutting and clamping jaw 78 being then moved relatively to the blades 76 and 77 to effect the cutting and clamping of the thread 8, as clearly appears in Flgure 13 of the drawin s.

IXfter the rotation of the tying bill mechanism into the position shown in Figure 13' of the drawings and the formation of the loops thereon with the thread termini cut and clamped respectively by the tying bill mechanism C and the auxiliary cutter D,

' the threads 8' and 8 coming from the spool and bobbin are then stripped from the tying bill mechanism C, the stripping efi'ecting-the tightening of the knot formed in the threads and the stripping of the knotted threads from both the tying bill mechanism ecting the stripping operation I may provide independent stripping means. However, in the present form of my invention I utilize part of the apparatus already described for effecting the stripping function. More specifically,

I so construct the thread guide and holding means A as to effect this desired function.

This latter is shown in Fi ure 12 of the drawings and referring to this figure it will be found that after the. thread guide arm 39 and the thread engaging member 40 have served their functions in crossing and clamping the threads the said thread guide 39 and thread engaging member 40 are caused to rotate bodily or substantially as a unit about the cam shaft 56, such rotation effectin the tightening and stripping of the threa s from the tying bill mechanism C and the auxiliary cutter D. For directing and guiding this movement the cam track 53 heretofore recited cooperates with the follower arm 51 of the thread engaging member 40. The side plate 10 is further provided with a struck up guide stop 85 acting as a stop for the thread engaging member 40 in the return of the parts to normal osition.

All the parts of the mechanism heretofore descri ed are operated by means of a single element adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the operator if the device is to be used as a hand knot-ter. To this end I provide the operating thumb lever 86 fulcrumed on the side plate 10 and movable about the screw shaft 87, a tortion spring 88 having one end hooked over the o erating arm 89 of the thumb lever 86 and aving the other end anchored to the side plate 10 being provided for effecting the return of the thumb lever 86 and the parts operated thereby to normal osition. tion of t e tying bill mechanism C the bill shaft 28 of the said tying bill mechanism is preferably constructed in the form of a helix 90, the said helix being obtained by twisting a piece of sheet material and for cooperating with the helix 90 the operating arm 89 is forked at its outer end to provide the fork members 91 and 92; the said fork members straddling the helix and rotating the same during operation of the thumb lever 86. \Vith the provision of this construction the operating arm 89 may bemade to control the movement of other parts of the mechanism and the helix may be designed to permit prior and subsequentmovement of other parts ofthe mechanism before and after the rotation of the tying bill mechanism C. Thus, when the fork members 91 and 92 are positioned as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings the said fork members may be moved for a considerable distance For effectingv the rotaprior to effecting the rotation-of the tying bill mechanism C. Similarly, as shown in Figure 9 of the drawings, after the tying bill mechanism C has been rotated substantially 360 degrees the fork members 91 and 92 may be moved longitudinally of the bill shaft 28 without effecting further rotation of the tying bill mechanism C. Thus, with the provision of this construction the parts maybe reduced in number and to cooperate efi'ectively.

For effecting thebperation and the-vari maybe made p nned to the main camshaft 56 as by means of theip'inQ JE. ;T hefcam plate 93 is rovided cooperating with thesecam portions Iprovide the cam follower; 98 rotatablyjour- :nalled on theend of 'the fork 'member"92.of tl1',e'.-ma1n operating arm 89;? ith the provision of this construction [it will be: apparent that upon movementof the. thumb lever .86 the cam follower 98 :will move-in, the cam-grooves 95;96' and 97 for efi'ecting' rotation of the cam plate 93'andthe' con- J 'sequntjrotation of 'the lever 41 also pinned to the cam shaft, The" cam slots 9,5,'96 and 97 are so 'conto-ured' as :to eifectduringa complete movement 'ofthe thumb "lever86,

the'; functionsj heiet-oforei "described. 5' Thus; a v during nicyementot thezeam follower. eats the cam slot 95. the parts oft-the thread; guide and holdi g means are relative1yv slida bljv moved to} .effect l the ,crossing 10f the. threads :9. ':.an'ds?, :the clamping'ot the thread '1 s and! the spreading of these-threadsia art" to permit the movementtherebetween'o the bills of the tying bill mechanism 6; The cam slot 9.6is so contoured as to be conceni trio with the pivot ofathefthumb lever i86,

this to the end of preventing any further movement of the parts of the mechanism A after thread crossing and clamping operatlons and during the period of rotation of the tying bill mechanism 0. through ,substan-;

tially 310 degrees. f After the tying bill mechanism 0 has been rotated throug-h about 310 degrees the parts otfthemechanismfl-A are moved substantially as a unitfas hereto fore referred to, for effecting stripping. of

the threads from the tyingbill mechanism C and during this movement the cam fol lower 98 cooperates with the cam slotportion' 97 of the cam .platei93'..-=-Also, during 7 this latter motion thethreadl s in the" guide slot 45, the partsbeing so .ar-

' ranged as to permit a small amount of slidable movement of the guide arm 39 and the thread engaging member 40 up to the end of the guide slot 50.

For efiecting the compound 'movementof.

the auxiliary cutter 'D heretofore'referred to the (template 84 is provided with the cam slot portions 99 and 100, the former being' concentric with the pivot shaftof the thumb lever 86 and cooperating with the cam portions I provide the cam follower 101 secured to the end of the fork member 91 of the operating arm 89. The concentric cam slot portion 99 is made of a length to permit a movement of the thumblever 86 to effect the rotation of'the tying bill mechree c'an'ij portions 95', 96' an; FBI-and cam plate 84-being rotated to effect the move wardly simultaneously with the movement. 'i Qf: the lc'ntting and clamping jziwi'ZS', theicut f engaging; the. -thread'ijs'.= The. auxi'i ems pnas to etfectthecifitti-ng time "parisonof Figures -9 and 12 of'thej-drawings is clamped the control of the thumb of the operator's therebetween. This manner ofthreading the anism C throughout an angle of substan tially 310 degrees )rior to operation of the ment-of theshearing-and clamping jaw.78, first forwardlv-andthen. about the ful'crumf'f 79'. Simultaneously i-w'ith the forwardpart of the movement of. the cuttingand-clainping' jaw 78 the loamfollower 101 engages 9 the cam track82 xof-the clamping blade76,

cooperation, between" these parts .eifecting the movementofthe clamping blade 76501::

tinnmechanism bein -thereby "brought 1 intofthe seat. of action Jetween the tying" b ll mechanism C nn'd the mechan'i 9; at fa point] to? yield substantiafl e thread ends it the stran'ds bevondft formedth-erein During'the'cuttinga yv of thefiauxilia'rycutter DI the thread'lgengag ling-arm 62 of the mechanism-11m preferably given afurther "movement eflfecttheclamping of the end of-t ieilthrea d s'fl to permit effective cutting .To this-fend the .100 cam slot 72 in the member 62is=eontoured to provide a slight upward movement of the member 62 during cutting activity; "comfurther showing how the thread engaging finger 67. moves with relation toi tli e thread guide 65.:

The use and operation of my knotter will. in the main. be apparent from the-above de 1 tailed description of the structure and operation thereof. It will'he apparentthatthe knottermav be attached to the left hand of the operator,, as shown in Fignrel of the I drawings", the thumb lever 86 beingunder hand. With the knotte'r so arm-n ed on the hand the threadss and 8 may be aid across v the same, the ends of the said threads being held in the right hand'ot the operator, The threads arearranged i'n-Ithe guides of the mechanisms A and B-with the threads in substantially parallel relation and the bills of the tying bill mechanism C arranged knotter has been found very simple and l eflicacious. During the threading the thread sis guided bythe guides 63,64 and to crossed position as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings. Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings show the relative arrangement of the parts in normal or inoperative position. As the thumb lever86 is first moved downwardly the parts of the thread guide and holding means A are relatively moved to a position as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, this being obtained substantially prior to the rotation or operation of the tying bill mechspect to the thread guide head 61 to engage and confin'e'the threads in the thread guide and holding means B, the arrangement of the parts here being shown in Figure 7 of the drawings. In the further movement of the thumb lever 86 the mechanisms A and B are retain-ed in the position shown in Figures 6 and 8 of the drawings and the tying bill mechanism C is rotated to efi'ect the looping of the threads thereon, the operating parts. of the mechanism to effect this rotation being shown in Figure 9 of the drawings; and the operated parts with the looped threads thereon in Figure 10'of the drawings. In the still further movement of the thumb lever 86 after the positions assumed as shown in Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings, the mechanism A is moved for knot forming, tightening and stripping operation while simultaneously the tying bill mechanism C is given the last 45 degrees of its motion and the auxiliary cutter D is moved into active position for cutting and clamping the thread engaged thereby, this being shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13 of the-drawings.

Upon release of the thumb lever 86 the t orsion spring 88 efiective on the operating arm 89 returns all the parts to their normal or inoperative position, the knotted strands being released by the clamping mechanism A, the resulting knot formation obtained being shown in Figure 14 of the drawings, this being the weavers form of knot.

From the foregoing it Wlll be apparent that I have provided a knottmg devide preferably in the form of a hand operated knotter which may, however, be any automatic knotting means not necessarily in the form of a hand operated knotter, in which the parts are relatively few in number compared with the manifold functlons involved and in which the said parts are arranged for effective cooperation for forming and tying a weavers knot on strands threaded on the knotter in a'very simple manner. It Wlll be further apparent that numerous changes may be made in the mechanism provided without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, instead of crossing the threads by the guide means in the thread guide and holding means B, I may provide additional means; for crossing the said threads similar to the crossing means provided in the said guide and holdingmeans A. Moreover, the crossing of the threads at the spaced points m and m may be effected either simultaneously or alternately. As a further modification it will be apparent that I may provide independent stripping means for stripping the threads, from the tying bill mechanism C. Other numerous changes may obviously be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a knot tying mechanism, in combination, a tying bill having thread cutting and, clamping means, means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that the tying bill isbctween the strands and the strands are crossed at a side of the tying bill and mechanism for operating the tying bill in relation to said strands. I

I 2. In a knot tying mechanism, in combination, a tying bill having thread cutting and clamping means, means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that the tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossed on opposite sides of the tying bill and mechanism for operating the tying bill inrelation to said strands.

3. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill having thread cutting and clamping means, means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that the tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossed on oppositesides of the tying bill and mechanism for moving the tying bill first between the crossed strands on one side and then between the crossed strands on the other side with one of the crossed strands on the said other side grasped by the tying bill for threading through the loop formations in the tying bill formed during its movement.

4. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill, means for receiving a plurality 'of strands in substantially parallel relation and positioning the same relative to the tying bill with the tying bill therebetween, means for crossing the strands on one side of the tying bill and mechanism for operat- .ing the tying bill in relation to the said strands.

5. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill, guides on opposite sides of the tying bill adapted to receive strands in substantially parallel relation, means for crossing the said' strands and mechanism for operating the said tying bill in relation to the said crossed strands.

6. Ina knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill, means for positioning a plurality of substantially parallel strands relative to the tying bill with the tying bill therebetween; the said means including rality of substantially parallel strands relaa rotatable tyin gjbill having-thread cutting 'tive to the tying bill with the tying bill therebetween; the said means including guides arranged for crossmg the strands on one side ,of the't'y-ing bill. means for cross ing the strands on the opposite side of the tying bill and mechanism for moving the tying bill first between the crossed strands on one side and then between the crossed strands on the other side with one of the crossed strands on' the said other side grasped by the-tying bill for threading through the loop formations in the tying bill formed duringits movement;

Ina knottying device, combination,

and 'cl'ampingmeans, means for positioning a plurality of strandsrelative'to the tying;

side of the tying -bill. and mechanism for rotating the tying bill in relation to the said strands. 9. In a knot tyingdevi'ce, in combination, a rotatable tying bill having thread cutting and clamping means, means for positioning a nlurality of strands relative to the tying .liill so that the tyingbill is arranged between the strands and the strands are crossed at a side of the tying bill, and mechanism for rotating the tying bill through the crossed strands on said side thereof and in position to grasp one of the strands on the otherside thereof. further rotationiof the tyingbill permitting threading of the] saidgrasped'strand through the loop formations on the tying bill to obtaina weavers knot.

10. In a knot tying, device, in combination, a rotatable ctying bill having thread: cutting and clamping-means, means. for

I positioning a Dlurality of'strands relative to the tying bill. so that the tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossed at opposite sides of the tying bill and mech anism for rotating the tying bill in relation; to the said crossed strands. 1

11. The method of tying a weavers knot which consists in crossing two strands at separated points, in twisting one strand 180' degrees about one crossing to provide {a loop' with the second strand threaded through the loop, in then twisting the second strand 180 degrees toform a second'loop while rotating the first loop through 180 degrees and in then threading an end of a strand located beyond the second crossing through the said loops.

' -.Vfo1"-mations' the {threading one, of ft j said loops. I i

14'. .In.a i-h san S 1 bill so thatthe'.tying'billis between the strands and the strands. are crossed; to the c tting:

' 12 The method of tying a weavers knot which consists in arranging two strands 1n substantially parallel relation, incrossing the said, two strands at separated" points, inl'ooping one strand atone crossing with the second strand threaded 'therethrough, in

parallel relation with i one strand the other-strand above-fa tying ni'sm, in then crossing-the strands he method of tying a, weavers knot onsists 1n positioningstrands" ar1- at opposites'ides of. the tying bill niechanism'and. in rotating the. tying bill mechanism first throughi- -the crossed strands at one side {and then" throughj-Qthe "crossed strands at. the otherisi'de to provide loop trends; through the knottying dey'ice, in' combination, porting t threadsor strands dat" ltsi; ,and,.meoha nism Pi s-we "Of t str nd yiieb u g at one f crofssed.,pointj, twisting;the vloop,

ilooping' the other-strand and threading "the end 'fof; a strand beyond through the loop 15.1.Infa knot tion, means to rr receiyingl two separated at two: spaced po1nt -s" "and *Hiechanism for looping one, sea strands abofit the other at one-"crossed point, twisting the loop, loop-- ing'the other strand and-threading the end of a, st'rand beyjnd. (the second crossing 'b 'igl lj. herlolie-jfi.

"16; In'a knot tying, device,"incombination; Ineahs for fsupp'ortinggftwo threads or 1 strandsfcr ossed "at spac edpoints and mecha-4 115111 for ope ra-t1ngon the. strands so crossed for producing mechanism 111 I eja knot, the said fiinl 17 Inal g a tying billf'mechanism haying cutting and clamping means and means 'forpositioning a said means including mechanism for crossing the strands at one, side of thesaid tying bill mechanismil; f

18', In a knot tyinggdevical-in combina trends! and in then billleei -device,:= 1nl combination.

- thejsec'ond. crossing y needed-e, ii

;plura'litv of strands to be-actedupon by the I tying bill mechanismito'produce' a knot, the

tie-11, 3 tyin-g'bill mechanism, guide means fortrec'eiving a pluralitvof separated strands .inparallel relation with the "strands positionedon opposite sides of the tying bill ,mechanism to be acted-upon by the latter to produce a knot and means'for crossing the strands at one side of the said mechanism.

.19.,1'11 a knot tying device, in combinastrandsy -proyisions for ;crossingithe strands v tion, a tying bill mechanism, means for positioning a plurality of strands to be acted upon by the tying bill mechanism to produce a knot, and means for crossing the strands and spreading the same at one side of the said mechanism.

20. In a knot tying device, a bill, a thread guide for receiving separated threads or strands and positioning the same on opposite sides of thebill and means for efiecting relative motion of the strands in said guide for crossing the same.

21. In a knot tying device, a hill, athread guide element for receiving two strands or threads, and positioning the same on opposite sides of the bill and means for engaging one of the threads in the guide element and for moving the same to cross the other thread.

22. In a knot tying device, a thread. guideelement for receiving two strands or threads,

a thread engaging member arranged for engaging one of thethreads in said guide element and means for moving the" element and member in opposite directions to cross the threads and spread them apart.

23.. In a knot tying device, a thread guide element for receiving two-strands or threads and means for engaging one of the threads in the guide element and for-moving the same to cross the other thread, the said means comprising a clamping member cooperating with the guide element for clamping the thread engaged.

24. In a knot tyingdevice, a thread guide element for receiving two strands or threads, a thread engaging member arranged for engaging one of'the threads in said guide elements and means for moving the elementand member in opposite directions to cross the threads and spread them apart,

- the said member comprising a clamping means cooperating with the guide element. for clamping the thread engaged;

25. In a knot tying device, in combination, a knot forming'mechanism, a thread guide element on one .side of the said knot forming mechanism, the-thread guide ele ment including-guides for receiving a plurality of separate strands and guiding the same into crossed relation.

26. In a knot tying mechanism, in combination, a" tying bill having cutting and clamping means, means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so thatthe tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossed at a side of the tying-bill, means for operating the tying bill in relation to the strands to produce a loop formation therein and provisions for tightening and stripping the loop formation from the bill.

. 27. In a knot tying mechanism, in combination, a tying bill having cutting and clamping means, means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that the tying bill is betweenthe strands and the strands-are crossed at a side of the tying bill, mechanism for operating the tying bill in relation to the strands, the bill being operative to cut and clamp one of the strands and an auxiliary cutter 'for cutting and clamping the other of the strands.

28. In a knot tying mechanism, in combination, a tying bill having thread cutting and clamping means,-means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that the tying bill is between the strands and'the strands'are crossed on opposite sides ofjthe tying bill, mechanism for operating the, tying hill in relation to said "stands to produce loop formations therein and means for tightening'and stripping the loop formationrfromthe bill.

29 In a knot tying device, in combinatron, a tying bill having thread cutting and clamping means, means for positioninga plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that the tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossedon opposite sides of the tying bill, mechanism for moving the tying bill first between the crossed strands on dne side and then be tween the crossed strands on the other side with one of the crossed strands on the-said threaded through the loop formations in the tying bill formed during its movement and me'ansyfor tightening and stripping the loop firmations from the bill to form a weavers at;

tion, a tying bill. means for receiving substantially parallel strandsand positioning the same relative to the tying. bill with the tying bill therebetween, means for crossing the strands on one side of the tying bill,- mechanism for operating the tyinghill in relation to the said strands to "produce loop formations, therein and means tightening and stripping the loop-formations from. the bill.

" .31. In aknottying device, in jcombination, a tying bill, guides on opposite sides o'f'thetying bill adapted to receive-strands in substantially parallel relation, means for crossingthe said strands, mechanism for operating the said tying bill in relation tothe 'sa'id'orossed strands to produce loop .iormation's therein and means'for tightenother side' grasped by the tying bill and p -30. In a knot tying device," in 'combinafor anism for rotating the tying bill in relation to the said strands to produce loop posite sides of the tyin bill, mechanism for' operating the tying bil in relation to said strands, the bill being operative to cut and clamp one of the strands and an auxiliary cutter forcutting and clamping the other of the strands.

34. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill having cutting and clamping means, means for POSltlOIIIII a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so that, the tyin bill is between the strands and the stran s are crossed on opposite sides of the tying bill, mechanism for moving the tying bill first between the crossed strands on one side and then between the crossed strands on the other side with one of the .crossed strands on the said other side grasped by the tying bill and threaded through the loop formations inthe tying bill formed during its movement; the bill beingv operativeto cut and clamp the strand grasped thereby and an auxiliary cutter for cutting and clamping the other of the I strands.

35. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill having cutting and clamping means, means for receiving substantially parallel strands and positioningthe same relative to the tying bill with the tying bill tlierebetween, means for crossing the strands on one side of the tying bill, mechanism for operating the tying bill in relation to the said strands, the bill being operative to out and clamp one of the strands and an auxiliary cutter for cutting and clamping the other of the strands. I

36. In'a knot tying device, in combination, a rotatable tying bill having c itting and clamping means, means for position ng a plurality of strands relative tothe tying bill so that the tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossed to the side of the tying bill, mechanism forrotating the tying bill in relation to the said strands, the bill being operative to cut and clamp one of the strands and an auxiliary cutter for cutting and clamping the other of the strands.

37. .In a knot tying mechanism, in combination, a tying bill having cutting and clamping means, means for positioning a plurality of strands relative to the tying bill so-that the tying bill is between the strands and the strands are crossed at a side of the tying bill, mechanism for operating the tying bill in relation to said strands, the bill being operative to cut and clamp one otthe strands, an auxiliary cutter for cutting and clamping the other of the strands and means for tightening and stripping the resultingloop formation from the bill and cutter.

38. In a knottying device, in combination, a tying bill mechanism having cutting and clamping means, thread guides on opposite sides of the tying bill mechanism, each for receiving a plurality of separate strands and an auxiliarycutter between the tying bill mechanism and one of the guides.

39. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill mechanism having cutting and clamping means, thread guides on opposite sides of the t ing bill mechanism having means to receive a plurality of parallel separated strands and an auxiliary cutter between the tying bill mechanism and one of the guides for operating on One ofthe strands. 40. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill mechanism having cutting and clamping means, thread guides on opposite sides of the tying bill mechanism, each for receiving a plurality of separate strands an auxiliary cutter between the tying bill mechanism and one of the guides and a knot stripping mechanism.

41. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill having cutting and clampingmeans, thread guide means and. a stripping mechanism arranged on one side of the bill, a second thread guide-means and an auxiliary cutter arranged on the opposite side of the bill, the auxiliary cutter being located between the bill and the said second guide means.

42. In a device of the class described, a knot forming mechanism and means for positioning a plurality of strands relatively to the knot forming mechanism; the said crossing the strands and for stripping the same from the knot forming mechanism.

43. In a device of the class described, a knot forming mechanism and means for positioning a plurality of strands relatively to the knot forming mechanism; the said means including a thread guide element, a thread engaging member and means for moving the element and member for crossing the strands, clamping them and stripping the same from the knot forming mechanism.

44. In a device of the class described, a knot forming mechanism, guide means for receiving a plurality of threads to be operated upon by said knot form ng mechanism, a thread engaging member cooperating therewith, means for relatively moving the guide means and the said member to elfect receiving two threads, a thread engaging member, means for relatively moving the arm and member to cross the threads and to clamp one of the threads and means for subsequently moving the said guide arm and member for clamping the other thread and for stripping both of the clamped threads.

46. In a device of the class described, a thread crossing, clamping and stripping means comprising relatively movable guide means and thread engaging means and provisions for relatively moving the guide means and the thread engaging means for effecting crossing, clamping and stripping of the threads.

47. In a device of the class described, a

thread crossing,. clamping and stripping means comprising relatively movable guide means and thread engaging means and mechanism for relatively moving the guide means and the thread engaging means for effecting crossing, clamping and stripping of the threads; the said mechanism including a cam having a plurality of cam portions, one for effecting the relative motion of the guide and thread engaging means and an-. other for efiecting unitary motion of the said guide and thread engaging means.

48; In a device of the class described, a thread guide means and athread engaging member associated therewith, means for relatively slidably moving the guide means and the member in opposite directions and means for subsequently rotating the said guide means and member as a unit.

49. In a knot tying device, a rotatable tying bill including a helix for rotating the same, meansfor positioning a plurality of threads relatively to the said bill, said means including relatively movable guide members on one side of the bill and cam means for operating the same, an. auxiliary cutting device arranged on the opposite side of the bill, cam means for operating the said cutting device and mechanism for effecting operation of the tying bill, the guide mem bers and the cutting device; said mechanism including -a forked lever straddling the thread of the helix and provided with means for actuating the said cam means.

50. In a knot tying device, a rotatable tying bill, thread positioning means including thread guide means arranged on one side of the bill, an auxiliary cutter arranged between the tying bill and the thread guide means; the said auxiliary cutter being normally out of alinement With the bill and guide means, means for rotating the tying bill and means for subsequently advancing the cutting means in allnement with the bill and guide means for cutting operation.

51. In a knot tying device, in combination, a knot forming mechanism including a cutting and clamping bill, means for positioning two strands, one above and the other below the knot forming mechanism with the strands crossed on opposite sides of the said mechanism and means for operating the said knot forming mechanism in 1relation to the said strands to tie a Weavers mot.

52. In a knot tying device, in combination. a knot forming mechanism, a thread 7 guide element arranged on one side thereof,

the said element including guides for re ceiving a plurality of separated strands and guiding the same into crossed relation, a

"thread engaging member and means for relatively moving the guide element and the thread engaging member to engage the threads in crossed position. I

- 53. In a knot tying device,.in combina tion. a tying bill mechanism having cutting and clamping means, thread receiving means for receiving two separated strands or threads, the thread receiving means includinga guide element located on one side of the said tying bill mechanism. the said tying bill mechanism being operative in its movement for cutting and clamping'one of the said threads or strands and an auxiliary cutter between the tying bill mechanism and the said guide element. the said auxiliary cutter having means for cutting and clamping the other of the said strands.

54. In a knot tying device, in combination, a tying bill mechanism having cutting and clamping means. thread receiving means for receiving two separated strands or threads, the thread receiving means including a guide element located on one side of the said tying bill mechanism, the said tying bill mechanism being operative in its movement for cutting and clamping one of the said threads or strands, an auxiliary cutter between the bill tying mechanism and the said guide element, the said auxiliary cutter being adapted to cut and clamp the other of the said strands and comprising cutting and clamping jaws and a cutting and clamping bill movable therebetween.

55. In a knot tying mechanism. a tying bill, means for holding a pair of threads crossed on opposite sides of the tying bill, said means comprising an arm mounted to swing in a direction away from the tying bill and having a pair of thread guides associated therewith.

56. In a knot tying mechanism, the combination with a rotary tying bill, of means for holding and. stripping threads to be united, comprising an arm mounted for swinging motioma second arm mounted to swing with the first mentioned arm and to move longitudinally relative thereto, and a pair of thread guides operatively associated with said arms and occupying in one posi tion of the parts a spaced relation and in another position .of the parts a contiguous relation.

57. Ina knot tying mechanism, the combination with a rotary tying bill, of means for holding two threads crossed onopposite Sides of the tying bill, said means including 1 holding a pair of threads crossed on opposite sides of a tying bill, said means comprising an arm mounted to swing in a direction away from the tying bill and having a pair of thread guides associated therewith, one of said guides being adapted to clamp its thread and the other guide being adapted to hold its thread loosely.

59.- In a knot tying device, in combination,

means for receiving twoseparated strands,

provisions for crossing the strands at two spaced points, and mechanism for looping one of the strands about the other at one crossed point, twisting the loop, looping the.

other strand and threading the end of a strand beyond the second crossing through the loops.

60. In a device of the class described, the combination with a tying bill, of means to support a pair of strands. on opposite sides of the bill, means to en age one strand at opposite sides of the bill and move the engaged portion of the strand across the other strand. mechanism'to strain the knot and strip it from the bill, and a common means for the strand moving means. the bill and the stripping mechanism to operate them in sequence. I

61. In a device of the class described, a

tying bill, means to position the strands for knotting prior to the operation of the bill,

including means to move the strands'in opposite directions, thereby to cross the strands at opposite sides of the bill. V

Signed at, Durham in the county of Durham and State of North Carolina this 18th day of February, A, D. 1922.

BRITTON E. BYRD. 

